Calculating Bee Populations

The importance within an ecosystem for all species to live harmoniously is imperative. However, upon the decline of one species, this will often bare severe consequences. But what consequences? How severe? What species? Will some species affect an ecosystem more if it becomes endangered or extinct?

All great questions.

The dire concern regarding the decline in numbers of honeybees is something to be actively aware of, and changes should be implemented before the matter becomes more serious. This system is in Europe and moderately observed in Australia, this immediately sets up 3 boundaries; the world, Europe and Australia. Not only are honeybees part of a major industry that’s a source of major income, but they play an essential role in worldwide ecosystems, pollinating one third of all crops. If there were to be an absence of these honeybee species, it would bring devastating affects for food production.

But what is the cause of this suspected sudden decrease in honeybee populations? The honeybee population decline is suspected to be a result of modern day resources and enhancers. The initial introduction of manmade materials, such as the use of various chemicals and the altering of DNA using genetic engineering was a method used to benefit agriculture. These positive modifications were made in attempt to improve the sustainability of the economy, alongside the improvement of crop quality. However, side affects of these genetically modified crops have shown that when honeybees pollinate these crops, they are prone to develop Colony Collapse Disorder or be affected by the Varroa mite. This is therefore a cause for alarm amongst all apiaries regarding the impact this decline will have on the ecosystem relationships and therefore the sustainability of the already fragile natural system. If this decline of honeybees continues, it will create a chain affect causing devastating consequences for ecosystems and the human population.

There has been much debate speculating the use of chemicals and the alteration of DNA to overall enhance crop production. From a honeybee conservation perspective, the acceptability, desirability and compatibility of this concept is not one that agrees with the sustainability of this system. However, despite these theories surrounding the main stressors honeybees currently face, they still are only theories. Farmers and scientists combined don’t deny that genetically modified crops could be a primary stressor within the honeybee community, however, until there is more evidence of this, it will be difficult to promote change due to the crop success.

Unless referring to the bees that are kept by the farmers to pollinate their crops, it is hard to financially fund the decrease in the Varroa Mite. While spraying can occur and be funded to rid the commercial colonies of Varroa Mite, the best place to fund is to work against having them inhibit in Australia. This would best be utilised within domestic and international customs.

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) will still occur, as the indicators are yet to be fully determined.  Money could be funded into finding out the indicators but it could be wasted and better spent somewhere else maybe. It is believed that genetically modified (GM) food may be a contributor and even if it were, there would be no way to reduce CCD. Another contributor or stressor could also be from pesticides. Farmers aren’t going to reduce or rid their crops of pesticides just in case. The revenue they receive from their crops would outweigh that of the benefits of the possibility of reducing CCD.